EBCL Sabbatical Program

Request for Applications

ARS Office of National Programs and Office of International Research Engagement and Cooperation are calling for applications for a sabbatical-type temporary duty station (TDY) at the European Biological Control Laboratories (EBCL) in Montpellier, France and Thessaloniki, Greece.  ARS scientists who are interested in working on biological control projects are eligible to apply if the proposed sabbatical contributes directly to his/her current Project Plan and EBCL’s mission, and the applicant’s expertise contributes to scientific development of EBCL scientists and staff. 

Background

EBCL has a laboratory in the city of Montpellier in southern France, with five permanent scientists, and a satellite laboratory in Thessaloniki, Greece, with two scientists.  Research in France currently focuses on classical biological control of invasive weeds and invasive arthropod pests.  The well-equipped ARS laboratory is next to an Australian (CSIRO) laboratory and three French laboratories (CBGP-INRA, CIRAD, CNRS Ecotron).  Research at the laboratory in Greece includes exploration for biological control agents of weeds and cattle fever tick, and the ecology and control of mosquitoes and sandflies.  It is located on the campus of the American Farm School, which has laboratories, greenhouse, dairy cattle and agricultural fields.    

Objectives

• Attract highly qualified ARS scientists to EBCL,
• Create new opportunities for classical biological control researchers,
• Provide exciting new learning opportunities to the scientists and staff at EBCL, obtained through visiting scientists, and
• Expand the linkages between EBCL and ARS research projects in the United States.

Duration

• Three to twelve months, dependent upon favorable travel conditions.
• EBCL sabbaticals are not intended to be used as a vehicle to attend international meetings or make other professional trips not associated with the assignments at EBCL.

Criteria

Selection of candidates will be competitive, based on the qualifications of the scientist, quality of the proposed sabbatical project, and relevance to both EBCL and the applicant’s main Project Plan.  A selection panel comprised of the OBCL Director, EBCL Director, relevant NPLs, and scientists will be organized to conduct the review.

Further details on funding can be found on the OIREC Axon site.